Whole chickens recalled because of antibiotic residue

Almost 1,500 pounds of whole, young chickens are being recalled from restaurants and retailers in New York because government testing found residue of the antibiotic nitrofurazone.

Brooklyn-based NY Livestock Market Inc. produced and packaged the chickens on April 10, according to the recall notice on the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection website.

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The recalled chickens were packaged in brown shipping bags, which contain various quantities of 4.9-pound “young whole chickens, with head and feet intact.” The bags are marked with establishment number “P-45068” inside the USDA mark of inspection and have the text “NY LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC. BUDDHIST RELIGIOUS EXEMPT (Eviscerated Poultry)” printed on labeling.

“The problem was discovered through routine testing performed by FSIS inspection personnel for the National Residue Program, which revealed the sample was violative for nitrofurazone, a residue of public health concern,” according to the recall notice.

“There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions or illnesses due to consumption of these products. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Winnie Wu, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point coordinator, at 718-386-8181.